Zook stays intense with Illini, looks for answers

Wednesday

One day after cutting short an interview after practice, "feisty'' Illinois coach Ron Zook calmed down for his weekly press conference Tuesday.

One day after cutting short an interview after practice, "feisty'' Illinois coach Ron Zook calmed down for his weekly press conference Tuesday.

When asked what specifically needed to change in practice this week, Zook showed his emotions Monday evening.

"You got any ideas?'' he said. "Everybody seems to have ideas. I'll take them all. Here's the deal. We'll be ready to go. Yeah, I'm a little bit feisty right now. I don't have an answer for you. I wish I had an answer. I'd give it to you.

"Somebody might have sensed the frustration around here,'' Zook said. "That's normal. It's a very competitive game we're in. There are questions why you're not doing this or doing that. Last night, in not a very good tone, I said I wish I had an answer.''

Picked to finish third in the Big Ten, Illinois scrambles for a bowl berth after a 27-17 loss to Wisconsin. Illinois lost two of its last three games and were favored in both losses. Illinois is favored by two against the Hawkeyes.

"We could be 6-2,'' Zook said. "Maybe we won a couple games last year that we shouldn't have. It all evens out in the long run. I still believe we're a better football team. We're not there yet. We have a long way to go. We all want to be there now.

"No one wants to be there more than the coaching staff. We have to keep believing it will happen. This is a fun time for the naysayers and doubters.''

There will be few smiles as the Illini leave the practice field this week.

"It's a little intense in practice,'' said receiver Arrelious Benn. "Zook is on us big time about it. We need to come as a whole and find leadership on this team.''

RIVALRY: Zook and the Illini get one last chance to beat Iowa before the Hawkeyes drop off the schedule for two years beginning next season (Iowa and Wisconsin off, Michigan State and Purdue back on). Illinois is 0-3 against the Hawkeyes under Zook, including a 10-6 loss at Iowa City last season that ended the Hawkeyes' four-game losing streak.

"There's no question it's a rivalry,'' Zook said. "It's a rivalry longer than when I got here. Until we beat them, we have to keep our mouths shut and go play. They've had the upper hand.''

Overall, Illinois lost the last five games to Iowa and haven't beaten the Hawkeyes since a 31-0 victory in 2001.

HEAD IN GAME: Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis won't be affected by his older brother Vernon's actions, Zook said. Vernon Davis, a San Francisco 49ers tight end, was thrown out of the game by coach Mike Singletary after he was flagged for a personal foul, then jawed with his coach.

"I don't think it's going to affect Vontae,'' Zook said. "He feels bad for Vernon. (Singletary) was making a stand. This is his team now. Vernon just happened to be the first guy that something happened. I know Vernon and Vontae. They are both good people. They're competitors and want to win.''

ETC.: Illinois middle linebacker Brit Miller was named the Lott Trophy player of the week after making 16 tackles in the 27-17 loss at Wisconsin on Saturday. Illinois will receive $1,000 for its general scholarship fund from Wachovia . . .

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.

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